Caught @ Hamburger Mary’s
Caught @ Liquid TAMPA
Caught @The Social
Caught @ JJ’s Cafe & Bar
Dishing with Mark & Carrie 7/30/2012
Disappointed in FL Gov. Rick Scott
Watching the 2012 Summer Olympics in London we were reminded how very disappointed we are in our sitting governor. An NBC Television commentator from the downtown Olympic Park was talking about a participating Olympic stadium event location located 128 miles from London. He said, “It’s just a quick short ride away by the high speed train.” Just a sore reminder of how Gov. Rick Scott gave away our next generation bullet train between Tampa & Orlando on the I-4 corridor. The governor should have been thinking of the needed Florida jobs- then and still, future economic growth, environmental safety, air pollution implementations and the future trending to all America with the new high speed train technology.
Tourism is the #1 business in Florida! How could he just give away the Florida High Speed train? Several years ago Tampa & Central Florida were considered as a location for the International Olympics. Many facilities are already in place here in Tampa, St. Pete, Lakeland & Orlando. Public stadiums, College facilities & Hotels are all here now.The Olympic Village was to replace the old run down projects near downtown Tampa. The good news is that the projects were torn down to make way for the new Encore Re-development Project. Due to the depression only one building has been built there and that one is a public housing unit.
We hope our next Governor will get it right and put us back in the running again. Central Florida hosts to the 2020’s Summer Olympics?
RNC Preparations in GaYBOR/Ybor City
What do you notice in this photo?
GaYBOR/Ybor City have been very busy preparing for the GOP National Republican Convention. Tampa’s biggest convention ever is only 3 weeks away. With the #1 industry in Florida being the Touristism Industry, it looks like GaYBOR/Ybor City will be Switzerland during the convention to visiting delegates and protesters. Many preparations are going on to insure that both sides have the time of their lives in GaYBOR/Ybor City.
The cell phone companies are upgrading and increasing high tech services here. Since we are a national historic district this can present problems. Take a closer look at the Centro Ybor Sign. There are new black cell phone towers attached to the signs poles. On top of the garage there are new cell phones towers attached to the light poles. There are even some hid on top of the Hampton Inn. Security will make GaYBOR/Ybor City one of the safest places in town. There have even been air quality monitors installed on 7th ave.
The huge grassy lots between 15 &17 just south of the interstate will be parking for charter buses & VIP limos. This past weekend you might have noticed the huge police present here. Some of the 1000’s of out of the area police officers are getting acquainted with Tampa and our historic district. Many sheriff & police dept. officers and their horses are seen training here now. This is going to be party Tampa will remember for a life time! Be sure to plan on a trip here during the convention.
A lesson for our Community.
This week there was quite the unintentional scare to our LGBT family. Thankfully this story has a good ending. A popular bartender told his friends we was going to Orlando and left at 9pm Tuesday. About 1 AM Wed he called and said he was on his way home back to Tampa. When he wasn’t back the next day his roommate & friends started to get concerned. Everybody said this was not like this person. Not to show up for his day job, to feed his beloved best pal dog & to have his always on the cell phone turned off.
At midnight that day everybody was super concerned. After midnight a missing person report was filed. By 8 am Thursday there was a huge cry for help on facebook.
Our community came together quickly as a family looking and giving any information about this person. Thursday afternoon he walked in to his apartment. We can only imagine what it must be like for a parent to have a child go missing. It has to be 100 times worse than this. With that all said, This is 2012!!!
With all the crazies out in the world there is NO REASON not to call and tell your friends or family where you Remember 2000 with the Tampa murders by Steve Lorenzo and 4 missing guys killed in Tampa? We are very proud of our LGBT family.
People Are Talking
We are proud of our local neighbors and one especially. This past weekend Laughing Cat Restaurant owner, Franco came running over to tell us his 7 year old daughter Christina had beaten the computer at professional level Chess. Not once but 3 out of the 4 games! We have a prodigy amongst us! Congratulations to the downtown Floridan Hotel. After years of being closed up for a decade and many years of $$$millions of dollars in renovation the hotel is a Tampa gem again! Bradley Nelson from Bradley’s on 7th is celebrating a big birthday August 13th! Happy Birthday Brad.
There is a new county/city proposal for the demolition and of building a new Robert W. Saunders, Sr Public Library on Nebraska Ave. It will be in partnership with a new African American Cultural Center at the same location. The new building from the architects has a lot of Ybor City historical flavor & decor added on the new designed brick building. The local artist stone mural by Joe Testa Secca entitled “Symbols of Mankind” on the front of the existing building will be taken down, saved and put on the new 2 story library outside entry. There will be a continued covered walkway between the new library and Booker T. Washington Elementary School next door.
Wow a new Hot Dog wagon has appeared in Ybor City, CJ’s Weiner & Nuts. A lot of work is being done at the old Opa Taverna on 7th Ave. More restaurants are appearing in the historic district. The 2012 RNC has a lot of open venues and closed. Party and headquarters are all over Tampa and GaYBOR/ Ybor City including Fox News headquartered at Tampa Bay History Museum, AOL at the Cuban Club in Ybor. Confidentiality agreements at know great known venues including Italian Club, Honey Pot, Tampa Theatre, Hamburger Mary’s and Carne Chop House! Be on the lookout for Republican Presidential VP hopefuls running around Tampa!
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Johnny Apple Seed Gay Activism
For years we have been leaving GLBT magazines out in the public. Places like the DMV, doctors offices, meetings, restaurants almost anywhere in public. It used to be magazines like The Gazette, Stonewall, Encounter & TLW. Now days it’s the Watermark & HOTspots magazines. You can just imagine who will find the magazine. Planting seeds of knowledge one magazine at a time. Recently we went to a seminary at the Stetson Law Collage. The lecture room was large and set up like a court room. It got us thinking about our friend Tom Dyer, who is a lawyer and owner of Watermark Magazine. As we were leaving we put a copy of Watermark on our chair & slide it back in. With a big smile on our faces we said this apple seed is for Tom! We thought, wonder what law student will find it & how it might help.
FETISH CON 2012
The Kinkiest Straight event we have ever been to!!! This is the 12th Annual Fetish Con. The group will take over the Tampa Hyatt Hotel Downtown. There are many events planned including a trade show, Aug 2-5 www.fetishcon.com If you do not have tickets just go to the Hyatt Lobby Bar and take it all in!!! Every fetish imaginable is here!!! In GaYBOR stop by MC Film and check out the new line of “Mr. Leather.” Faith Michael will be performing at Liquid Tampa. Check out this Fetish video shot in the dungeon at the Castle in Ybor City. HOT HOT HOT!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7GWh7ShoxE&feature=relmfu
You Can Not make This Stuff Up!!
Mass Suicides
Hotel History Re- Approached
(11)
This week after several years of massive renovations the newly named Floridan Palace Hotel is re opening in downtown Tampa. It has been restored meticulously to the great grandeur of yesteryear. It is even taking back the post office space and have returned the large beautiful convention center. Originally built in 1927 at a whopping cost of $1.9 million. At one time the hotel with 19 floors was the tallest building in Florida. It stayed the tallest structure in Tampa until 1966 when the Franklin Exchange Building was completed. It was honored to be guest home quarters to movie stars including Gary Cooper and Lupe Velez and an overnight to singing sensation king, Elvis Presley. Also mobsters, judges and regional political figures did business at the famed hotel. The open 3 story dining room was a place to be seen! Politics, legislation and business ideas had a lot of creation and beginnings in this historic hotel gem.
The Official VIP Party was Saturday night. Lights on the outside upper floors highlighted the Tampa skyline. Classic 1920 cars were adorned around the hotel. The street all blocked off. The big tall 1 story red neon lettered rooftop sign, Floridan Hotel was shining bright in the clear sky all over and above the city lights. Monday, July 30 will be the first night open to over night guests. Congratulations to hotelier and investor Antonios Markopoulos for a super 7 year renovation undertaking to the National Register of Historic Buildings designated Tampa footprint.
Our first time in the old run down hotel was in early 1980’s. Our friend Jack was staying there as it was a rooming house then. His room was on the 7th floor. Jack S. insisted we go with him to see the view of Tampa from up there. We had just moved here from Minneapolis, MN where we were used to old tall buildings and sky scrapers. This was one of the scariest elevators we had ever been in. It squeaked, squawked and shook all the way up & down. It even missed the floor landing by a foot plus! Some of the residents in the hallways were even scarier!
Then in 2005 our friend and realtor, Manny Alvarez had keys & took us inside. We unscrewed the outside containing entry boards to enter. At this time the building had been condemned. Hopes were in talks to have a gay investment group buy the building, renovate and open as a gay hotel. The city was taking offers of its sale. It was like a over done scene from a horror movie. The elevator shafts were open with no cars. The smell was very musty and the walls were moldy & somewhat wet. There was at least a half foot of dirt and bird droppings, woven cob webs & trash everywhere with birds flying above. Most of the windows were in tack and original. The carved worn marble floors still glistened when brushed with our feet. Then we looked up in the lobby to the old restaurant space and there were the beautiful crystal chandeliers in place and covered in dust far away from the reach of vandals or building thieves.
In 1986 Dr Walt Banks, a local gay doctor & founding member of the MCC Tampa Church here, told us a chilling legend story about the hotel. In the 1950’s there was an annual secret Good Friday Easter Party in the Floridan penthouse. The party was of gay men from MacDill Air Force base and local businessmen. In those days gay was considered a mental illness and an undisputed military court marshal offense. The Tampa police & MP’s heard of the party & decided to raid it. Blocking all the stairwells, elevators & doors. They knocked on the door and rammed it open. You can just imagine what went thru the terrified guests inside the party. 2 of the men was said to instead of facing the police & court marshal jumped out the window & to their deaths. This day became known as “Black Friday” in the Tampa GLBT community.
Most recently as a member of the Barrio Latino Commission we were given a VIP still in renovation tour of the madam building. Large steel girders open in the center of the building going from the ground level to the top of the building. Rooms in the transition state with state of the art large 3 room bedroom suites almost completed on the top floors. Another great historic Tampa building coming to life again!
Featured GaYBOR Member of the Week
Patrick Hanley
Chief at Beaune’s Wine Bar / West Palm Wines
(56)
Patrick is a familiar face here in GaYBOR/Ybor City. The first thing Patrick did when he joined the team at Beaune’s Wine Bar / West Palm Wines was to suggest they join GaYBOR right away! Many members have been stopping by & falling in love with the fantastic food & great wines here. FYI Did you know Beaune’s is located in the fastest growing new Gay Neighborhood in Tampa Bay???
Mark & Carrie’s Nephew/Niece of the Week
Stefan Dixon
(121)
When 4 previous nephews approached us saying that Stefan should be a nephew it got our attention. After meeting him we agreed!! Here is his bio that he sent to us.
I am deeply honored that you both chose me to be a nephew. I am 21 years old and I was born in New York. I am the first member of my Jamaican family to be born in America. I moved to Tampa when I was 8 years. Currently, I am a rising senior at Cornell University, where I major in hospitality finance and minor in commercial real estate. This past semester, I studied international business in Barcelona, Spain. During the summers, I intern at a residential real estate firm. In the future, I hope to franchise hotels. During my free time, I love cooking, traveling, playing soccer, and spending quality time with family and friends.
From the MC Film Mail Bag
Hillsborough Community College Ybor Art Gallery presents
The Cuban Sandwich Show
All Art-All Tampa-No Mayo
August 3-30, 2012
Opening Reception, Friday, August 3 5:30-9:00pm
Fan Still from the installation Fanattix, by Laszlo Horvath, paying homage to a vintage industrial fan in the West Tampa Santaella Cigar Factory
Performing Arts Building, First Floor, Palm Ave and 15th Street
813.253.7674
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From: brando108@gmail.com
To: dishingmcfilm@aol.com
Subj: Corpus Christi/I AM Love Campaign
To: dishingmcfilm@aol.com
Subj: Corpus Christi/I AM Love Campaign
Hello- I’m writing today as we continue outreach to bring our tour of the “I AM Love” Campaign to the Tampa/St Pete area. The Campaign addresses religious bullying, especially within the LGBT community, and is a combination of our internationally-acclaimed production of Terrence McNally’s Corpus Christi, a screening of our new documentary feature based on our journey, as well as a community symposium with gay and religious leaders in dialogue about the issues.
This year the Campaign is centered around the play Corpus Christi and the documentary based on the play that explores where (if at all) the LGBT community finds itself at the table of faith and why they would want to return. Religious dogma seems to be at the heart of every aspect for blocking full equality to LGBT individuals. Each stop on our national tour will include a community event like a symposium of leaders, town hall style meeting, workshop or gathering to discuss issues affecting the community such as bullying, marriage equality, racial discourse and general issues of civil rights.
We are specifically looking for a local venue who will help us produce this event and your name was brought to our attention as a community leader who might be able to help or at least point us in the right direction. We are ideally looking at mid-October for the weekend event. To give you a fuller idea of what this Campaign is about and what we are looking for, I’ve included a more detailed outline below of our proposal. We will begin the tour in September with 3-5 cities in Iowa, ending in Chicago. We are also looking at Orlando in October and would love to include Tampa/St Pete in this experience.
Thanks for the consideration and please don’t hesitate to write should you have any more questions or inspired thoughts,
James Brandon
Producer
323-203-6322
WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE ARE DOING
The I Am Love Campaign is an anti-bullying movement designed to educate and open minds through artistic endeavors and community outreach. We travel with the campaign to bring it directly into the communities that are calling out for it or that we feel would directly benefit from it. We typically look for states and cities that have issues with equality and a need for starting a better dialogue. Our aim is to change the story on bullying and ignite conversations within communities that will move them to a better understanding and acceptance of differences. This first year of the campaign will take a strong focus on bullying of LGBT youth and bullying with a religious/spiritual standpoint in particular. Our web site is a great tool for you and others you might want to share it with to become familiar with our mission- corpuschristi-themovie.comThis year the Campaign is centered around the play Corpus Christi and the documentary based on the play that explores where (if at all) the LGBT community finds itself at the table of faith and why they would want to return. Religious dogma seems to be at the heart of every aspect for blocking full equality to LGBT individuals. Each stop on our national tour will include a community event like a symposium of leaders, town hall style meeting, workshop or gathering to discuss issues affecting the community such as bullying, marriage equality, racial discourse and general issues of civil rights.
In each city over a period of two or three days the I AM Love Campaign would include:
1) A community event that would give voice to differing viewpoints and explore peaceful solutions.
2) A screening of the documentary Corpus Christi:Playing With Redemption.
3) Performances of the play Corpus Christi.
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From Officer Sean Mahabir
From: Sean.Mahabir@ci.tampa.fl.us
Sent: 7/27/2012 8:32:25 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: RNC Town Meeting and Video/Picture of Taggers
Sent: 7/27/2012 8:32:25 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time
Subj: RNC Town Meeting and Video/Picture of Taggers
Greetings,
Once again our Business Watch Members step up! (thank you to Honeypot, King Corona, and The Ritz!) Here is great video of the “taggers” (attached)…I really think these individuals work in Ybor City. This incident happened at 1:20 pm on Tuesday 7-10. If you know or see these guys on a daily basis…please contact me immediately. Do not share this information with them (hopefully they’re not your employees). The male with the light colored short sleeve shirt is over $1000 worth of damage to businesses in Ybor City. Let’s get em!
***For RNC updates during the event…sign up for Alert Tampa…letter from Chief Castor attached***
Mayor Bob Buckhorn to Host Town Hall Meetings on the Republican National Convention
Tampa, Fla. (July 25, 2012) – Mayor Bob Buckhorn will host three town hall meetings to answer questions and discuss the Republican National Convention’s impacts on residents and area businesses.
August 14, 2012 – The Florida Aquarium – Taylor Great Room
701 Channelside Drive
Tampa, FL 33602
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
August 15, 2012 – Stetson University – Smith Court Room
1700 North Tampa Street
Tampa, FL 33602
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
August 16, 2012 – Kate Jackson Community Center
821 S. Rome Ave.
Tampa, FL 33606
6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
All meetings are free and open to the public.
Representatives from the Tampa Police Department, Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office, Tampa Fire Rescue, Transportation and Parking Divisions, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority, Department of Solid Waste and Environmental Program Management, and the Office of Special Events will be on hand to share with information and answer questions.
The City of Tampa will host the Republican National Convention from August 27, 2012 – August 30, 2012.
To find out more information about the Republican National Convention including road closures and possible detours, please visit tampagov.net/RNC.
Officer Sean Mahabir
Ybor City Liaison
Tampa Police Department – District III
3808 N. 22nd Street
Tampa, FL. 33610
Main (813) 242-3800
Cell (813) 480-1272
Fax (813) 242-3848
Email sean.mahabir@tampagov.net
Ybor City Liaison
Tampa Police Department – District III
3808 N. 22nd Street
Tampa, FL. 33610
Main (813) 242-3800
Cell (813) 480-1272
Fax (813) 242-3848
Email sean.mahabir@tampagov.net
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The Wizard of Oz
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND! ONE NIGHT ONLY!
The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project presents, “Annual Nite of Alternative Theatre: A WIZARD OF OZ”, a staged play reading with music.
Adapted by T. Scott Wooten, this hilarious and madcap send-up of the fabled classic by Frank L. Baum, is a rollicking good time!
Come join in the fun as Dorothy and her Friends follow the yellow brick road on an adventure like no other!
Come join in the fun as Dorothy and her Friends follow the yellow brick road on an adventure like no other!
MATT McGEE as The Wicked Witch of the West; JOEY PANEK as Tin Man; BETTY JANE PARKS as Dorothy; DREW DeCARO as Cowardly Lion; JOEL GENNARI as Scarecrow; SARA DelBEATO as Glinda the Good Witch; JOE PARRA as the Wizard; MELISS KENWORTHY as Auntie Em; JERID FOX as The Munchkins and SCOTT DANIEL as Uncle Henry. MICHAEL RAABE will be making a special appearance at the keyboard.
This performance on Monday August 6th will benefit PWA (People with AIDS) programs at Metro Wellness and Community Centers and AIDS Service Association of Pinellas, Inc.
Performances start at 7:30 pm. Admission is Pay-What-You-Will and can be purchased online at www.americanstage.org or by phone 727-823-PLAY.
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TransGender-TampaBay, Inc. and the NYNA FUND
PLEASE HELP
TRADEGY STRIKES
Nyna D. a waitress at the St. Petersburg Diner on 34th Street N in St. Petersburg, FL was
recently informed that she will no longer have a job, since the diner has been sold and will be
closing shortly.
As if being jobless was not tough enough, on the night of July 21,
2012, her apartment building was destroyed by a fire. Although
she managed to escape with smoke inhalation, all her
possessions, except the pajamas she was wearing, were
destroyed in this tragic fire.
Nyna Fund Update 001
07/25/12
To all those who have shown an interest in helping Nyna D. and
may have visited the TGTB website or made a donation, see link,
here is some more information.
Brianna Lovely, the Director of TransGender-TampaBay, Inc.,
visited with Nyna D. on July 24, 2012. She spent several hours talking with Nyna and
assuring her that she really did have “friends”, people who cared about her and wanted to
help, in her time of need.
After taking Nyna to a clinic for follow-up from smoke inhalation and other medical problems,
Brianna drove Nyna to a pharmacy to have her prescriptions filled, as all her medications
were destroyed in the house fire.
Apparently Nyna, who lived on the second floor, lost her home due to a fire “allegedly” started
by a first floor tenant. The police are investigating the matter as a possible arson and
attempted murder case.
Although Nyna managed to escape with her life, she did lose two cats in the fire, but
managed to rescue a parrot that she’s had for 36 years.
Brianna presented Nyna with a check from TGTB, Inc. and the “Nyna Fund”, along with a
couple of store gift cards.
As more donations are made to the “Nyna Fund”, checks will be issued from TGTB, Inc. to
Nyna D. on a weekly basis.
During our visit, between sobs and tears, Nyna said, I never knew anyone cared. I’m so
grateful to you and TransGender-TampaBay for helping me out.
Would you please help by going to: http://transgendertampabay.org/ and clicking on the link:
“NYNA FUND” near the bottom of the Gateway page?
You may also donate to TGTB, Inc. by going to http://transgendertampabay.org/ and clicking
on the PayPal link near the bottom of the Gateway page. Although our mission is to help
Transgender people, we do not discriminate.
Checks or money orders can be made out to TGTB, Inc., please note if you are donating to
TGTB or the NYNA FUND, and mailed to: TGTB, Inc., PO Box 16192, St Petersburg, FL
33733-6192
Thank You
Brianna Lovely
Director
TransGender-TampaBay, Inc.
TGTB@att.net
PLEASE HELP
TRADEGY STRIKES
Nyna D. a waitress at the St. Petersburg Diner on 34th Street N in St. Petersburg, FL was
recently informed that she will no longer have a job, since the diner has been sold and will be
closing shortly.
As if being jobless was not tough enough, on the night of July 21,
2012, her apartment building was destroyed by a fire. Although
she managed to escape with smoke inhalation, all her
possessions, except the pajamas she was wearing, were
destroyed in this tragic fire.
Nyna Fund Update 001
07/25/12
To all those who have shown an interest in helping Nyna D. and
may have visited the TGTB website or made a donation, see link,
here is some more information.
Brianna Lovely, the Director of TransGender-TampaBay, Inc.,
visited with Nyna D. on July 24, 2012. She spent several hours talking with Nyna and
assuring her that she really did have “friends”, people who cared about her and wanted to
help, in her time of need.
After taking Nyna to a clinic for follow-up from smoke inhalation and other medical problems,
Brianna drove Nyna to a pharmacy to have her prescriptions filled, as all her medications
were destroyed in the house fire.
Apparently Nyna, who lived on the second floor, lost her home due to a fire “allegedly” started
by a first floor tenant. The police are investigating the matter as a possible arson and
attempted murder case.
Although Nyna managed to escape with her life, she did lose two cats in the fire, but
managed to rescue a parrot that she’s had for 36 years.
Brianna presented Nyna with a check from TGTB, Inc. and the “Nyna Fund”, along with a
couple of store gift cards.
As more donations are made to the “Nyna Fund”, checks will be issued from TGTB, Inc. to
Nyna D. on a weekly basis.
During our visit, between sobs and tears, Nyna said, I never knew anyone cared. I’m so
grateful to you and TransGender-TampaBay for helping me out.
Would you please help by going to: http://transgendertampabay.org/ and clicking on the link:
“NYNA FUND” near the bottom of the Gateway page?
You may also donate to TGTB, Inc. by going to http://transgendertampabay.org/ and clicking
on the PayPal link near the bottom of the Gateway page. Although our mission is to help
Transgender people, we do not discriminate.
Checks or money orders can be made out to TGTB, Inc., please note if you are donating to
TGTB or the NYNA FUND, and mailed to: TGTB, Inc., PO Box 16192, St Petersburg, FL
33733-6192
Thank You
Brianna Lovely
Director
TransGender-TampaBay, Inc.
TGTB@att.net
***********************************************************
UPCOMING MUSICAL PLAY
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